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How Dick DeVos Solves Social Problems through Charity Work

The DeVos family is known for its brilliant solutions to common social problems. Dick DeVos previously served as the president of the Orlando Magic NBA franchise and Amway. He also contested as Michigan Governor under the Republican Party during the 2006 elections. On the other hand, Betsy DeVos is the chair of a company known as the Windquest Group that she founded together with Dick DeVos, her husband. The company invests in clean energy solutions, manufacturing processes, and technology. Mrs. DeVos currently chairs the Dick and Betsy DeVos Family Foundation. In an interview with PhilantropyRoundtable.org, Mrs. DeVos pointed out how the DeVos family is committed to charity. She also mentioned that their charitable foundation supports children whose parents cannot afford school fees.

Dick DeVos’ Early Life, Education and Work Background

Mr. DeVos is a Grand Rapids, Michigan native who attended the Forest Hills public school. He attended the Northwood University where he received a bachelor’s degree in business administration. His father, Richard DeVos, is the co-founder of Amway, a company that distributes consumer goods. Since childhood, Mr. DeVos has managed his family’s business. He served as the president of Amway from 1993 to 2002. He is married to Betsy DeVos and is a proud father of four children. After serving as the president for Alticor and helping the company to amass $4.5 billion in sales, he left the company and became The Windquest Group’s president.

The Windquest Group is a company that mainly focuses on technological solutions. It invests in manufacturing processes aimed at producing cleaner fuels. As the president, Mr. DeVos ensures that the firm only invests in cost-effective and environmentally sustainable projects. Besides business, Mr. DeVos has also participated in charitable and reform initiatives. For instance, he contested and won the chairperson seat for the Michigan State Board of Education. John Engler named DeVos as a board member of the Grand Valley State University board of control.

Philanthropic Endeavors

Mr. DeVos and his wife both co-chaired the Education Freedom Fund that offers scholarships to children from low-income families. DeVos and his wife use The Dick and Betsy DeVos Foundation to fund institutions such as the Children First America, Choices for Children, and the American Education Reform Council. He opened the first United States public charter aviation high school during the fall of 2010 known as the West Michigan Aviation Academy. His wife’s interest in education and his interest in aviation inspired him to open the aviation school.